What Causes Itching In Throat?

Posted on Thu, 15 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 14 Jan 2015 Answered on

Thu, 12 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a constant feeling of ticklishness or mild scratching in my throat. It especially annoying at night as I will wake up coughing several times. Cough medicines do not seem to help - neither do allergy pills or heartburn medication. If I eat crumbly things such as chips popcorn, even pepper, I begin to cough even though it is usually a dry cough. Any ideas?

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
PND, Reflux, Allergy medication, VL'Scopy, AEC, Chest and Sinus X-rays.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. It looks like you are being treated for a Post Nasal Drip (PND) and reflux. I do not see an anti-allergic in your list of medications.

2. If the cough syrup is an expectorant, it may be increasing the cough. Get a change in the prescription for a cough suppressant.

3. A VideoLaryngosocpy (VL'Scopy) is a simple examination that will help check for signs of chronic allergy (lymphoid tissue hypertrophy), reflux (congestion, edema) and other conditions causing the cough.

4. Cough that worsens at night is usually related to PND or Reflux. Get your absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC) done. If you are on any hypertensive medications, they are a potential cause for such cough. Chest and Sinus X-rays should be done if the medications are not working.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar